Set Up A Debate And Sell Tickets

Our County

Let the debate begin: George Myers writes to suggest that if the county's two political party chairmen debate, as has been suggested, let's make something of it. Sell tickets.

Myers, of Casselberry, is an old-time Democrat and defender of the faith. He's delighted that Jim Purdy, his party's chairman, has emerged from self-imposed silence.

A Purdy vs. GOP Chairman Doug Elam debate, says Myers, ''could liven up the dog days of summer.'' It's needed, he says. Seminole County has been quiet of late. ''Even Casselberry City Commission meetings have turned dull.''

Good idea, George. Perhaps if a broad-based cause could benefit, it could be an even bigger draw. What say, chairmen?

Let the good times roll: Speaking of Democrats, the newly revived Seminole Democratic Executive Committee is having a picnic and barbecue on Sunday at Katie's Landing, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. There is a full slate of activities, canoeing, swimming, fishing, volleyball, video games. And, of course, getting to know one another better, strengthening the party. For ticket info call 327-7612 or 322-8232.

On a sadder note, the Jefferson Club, which has been a beneficial prod to the DEC, meets Wednesday to vote on dissolution. Is this premature?

Follow-up: Yes, David Knickerbocker did make it to that Oviedo Little League championship game. You will recall his fate at the first game - parked his car beyond the outfield and sacrificed glass for a home run (his team).

Parked in exactly the same spot next time, too.

On the theory that lightning doesn't strike twice? I asked. ''Naah,'' he replied. ''Wanted to give them a target. Besides, I hadn't replaced the glass yet.''

By the way, Oviedo won that game and went on to place second in the state tourney.

Spies in their midst? While Jack Schluckebier and his wife, Denise Young, were in Spain recently, they traveled from the Spanish city of Melilla on the African side of the Strait of Gibraltar into Morocco. They almost didn't get out.

Jack is city manager of Casselberry, and others in their party also work for government. To fill out entry papers, information went from English to Spanish to French; occupation was simplified to ''government official.'' The final interpretation, however, was ''military official.''

It required some tall explaining to convince border guards they were not in the cloak-and-dagger business.

Short stuff: When Jimmy Jones, manager of Casselberry's senior center, was hospitalized suddenly, it couldn't have come at a worse time. His assistant, Viola Burton, was out of state on vacation. But, no problem. That old workhorse of a volunteer Don Boehme took to harness and all is running smoothly.